This Decision sets up an advisory group on radio spectrum policy. The aim is to provide the European Union with a platform on which the Member States, the Commission and the other interested parties can coordinate the use of the radio spectrum.

ACT

Commission Decision 2002/622/EC of 26 July 2002 establishing a Radio Spectrum Policy Group.

SUMMARY

Objective

The Group’s task is to assist and advise the Commission on the following:

where appropriate, the establishment of harmonised conditions with regard to the availability and efficient use of radio spectrum necessary for the functioning of the internal market.

If necessary, the Group can assist the Commission in preparing proposals to the European Parliament and the Council on common policy objectives for the coordination of the interests of the European Union in international organisations competent in radio spectrum matters.

Composition

The Group comprises one governmental expert from each Member State and a representative of the Commission.

Operational arrangements

At the Commission’s request or on its own initiative, the Group adopts opinions addressed to the Commission. The European Parliament or the Council may ask the Commission for an opinion or a report of the Group. In this case the Group adopts the opinion, which is then transmitted by the Commission to the requesting institution.

In the interests of openness and transparency, the Group must, at an early stage, consult stakeholders, including market participants, consumers and end-users.

Confidentiality

Where the Commission considers that the requested opinion is on a matter of a confidential nature, the members of the Group – and any other person attending – are under an obligation not to disclose information which has come to their knowledge through the work of the Group.

Complementarity with the Radio Spectrum Committee

The work of the Group should complement that of the Radio Spectrum Committee set up by the Radio Spectrum Decision.

Key terms used in the act

Radio spectrum: radio waves in frequencies between 9 kHz and 3 000 GHz.

Radio waves: electromagnetic waves propagated in space without artificial guide.

Decision 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (Radio Spectrum Decision) [Official Journal L 108 of 24.4.2002].
This Decision establishes a legal framework in the Community to harmonise and rationalise the use of radio spectrum in the EU.